Now that your home is listed with a Realtor and all the marketing tools are in place.
There are a few inexpensive ways to make your home stand out. As we know this is a buyer's market and with so many homes for sale you should find ways to make your home warm and inviting, standing out from the crowd.
Take a note pad with you and view your home from the curb.
The first impression of a home is ---Curb Appeal.
1. Mow the lawn
2. The driveway, curbs and sidewalks are edged and free of obstacles and debris
3. Prune, trim, and weed the flowerbeds
4. If you like yard art, remove them, keep in mind not all buyers like yard decorations
5. Remove toys, firewood and other loose items from the yard
6. Roll up water hoses and check for leaky faucets
7. Inspect trim, doors, window frames, and garage door for rotting wood. Replace or paint if needed
8. Inspect screens, fix or replace if needed
9. Clean windows (tip: remove screens and store them-sparkling glass catches the eye)
10. Sweep porches and remove old patio furniture, BBQ grills, firewood, toys etc.
11. Remove spider webs, bird’s nests, and bees nests
12. Clean porch light fixtures and replace light bulbs
These few steps will make a difference. Take a before and after photo, so you can see the results.
The second impression of a home is what you see when you walk in the front door.
People subconsciously use their three senses - Sight, Sound and Smell
If you are living in your home, consider removing as much furniture as possible leave only necessary items. This will make the rooms appear larger.
Remove all family photos (this is for safety and privacy reasons as well as de-personalizing home)
Remove all valuables
Have the carpet cleaned
Dust A/C Vents, ceiling fans, light fixtures, window treatments and replace light bulbs
Paint or Touch up paint baseboards and door trims
Clean closets and organize personal items
Use plug in room deodorizers
The third impression of a home is the Kitchen.
Remove all small appliances from kitchen counter tops along with personal items such as mail
Clean microwave, oven, range, and refrigerator
Organize items in the cabinets, drawers, and pantry
Clean windows, light fixtures and vents
With wood cabinets wipe down with old English to restore shine and cover scratches and watermarks
Make repairs to appliances if needed
Repair leaking faucets if necessary
The fourth Impression is the Bathroom
Inspect faucets, toilet and shower heads for leaks and lime build up replace if necessary
Organize drawers and closets
Clean windows, vents and fixtures
Keep clean towels on racks and remove personal items from the counters
Remove laundry hamper
The fifth Impression is of the storage area, i.e. garage and sheds
Remove clutter from the garage you can have packing boxes, however they must be organized
Remove clutter from storage sheds
Consider having a garage sale, this will accomplish several things
Easier to prepare for the move in the event your home sells
Cleans up the garage, storage shed, and closets
This will allow neighbors and the local community to view your home, speak with family, friends and co-workers that may lead to a potential buyer.
By taking these, few inexpensive steps your home will appear bright and inviting.
"Show and Sell"
Did you find this list to be helpful? Your comments are welcome.
Brigitte Thompson-Realtor 254-338-8656
RE/MAX 1, Tim Kress and Associates
11901 W Parmer Ln, Ste 230
Cedar Park, TX 78613
